The triple zero positive appliance: exhaust gas thermo electric generator (TEG) for green environment

Abstract

Exhaust/Flue gases from the main engine on board ship possess significant thermal energy. The energy, if recovered, can be utilized to generate substantial amount of power. Heat recovery by using a heat exchanger results in additional pressure drop and is not preferred.

An alternate way is to analyse a vertically fitted Thermoelectric generator (TEG) in the exhaust pathway of a vessel for power generation. TEG’s work on the principle of Seebeck effect in which due to temperature gradient between two electrically conductive metals / alloys/ semiconductors, flow of electrons take place which generate electricity. The TEGs in conjunction with the main can be used at immediate machinery exhaust (Incinerators, boilers etc.) which will act as if two generators are acting in series (Thury system of connection) and additional output can be expected. The output power can be used to power low energy requirement applications such as electric control panels of a machinery, panels in engine control room (ECR) which will make it self-sustaining at running hours, various sensors which require micro/milli amperes of current and many other devices. The energy can also be stored in batteries for battery powered operations. This in turn will reduce the o/p demand of the generator by significant extent thus saving fuel for running the generator. This one-time investment in the installation of this system of electricity generation has minimal maintenance, zero emissions which makes its environment friendly which is the need of hour.